Wine Tasting Note: Domaine de Lauroux Cuvée Confiance, 2000, VdP Côtes de Gascogne, France.  Add/Read Comments

One of those stories - English couple packs it all in, moves to France, and starts a vineyard. This couple though seem to be making a success of their dream. Domaine de Lauroux is owned by Nicolas and Karen Kitchener. Since purchasing the vineyard in 2004, Nick and Karen have focussed on maintaining the reputation Domaine de Lauroux has held for generations - that of producing high-quality, award-winning wines, Floc de Gascogne and Armagnac. I have been sent two red wines from their range; this is the first.

Wine Tasting Note: Domaine de Lauroux Cuvée Confiance, 2000, VdP Côtes de Gascogne, France.
Available from Planet of the Grapes for £6.
A blend of 45% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc thrown into a little oak for six months. Quite Bordeaux in style on the the nose with a cedar-led blackcurrant aroma. But the palate is quite soft with the tannins appearing gently on the finish. Opening with rounded blackfruit flavours there is a hint of mint, of cherries and a touch of spice before those tannins lick around the gums.

Initially the wine is a touch flabby, lacks a shot of acidity, but ends nice enough. Of course with food this is hardly noticeable; a quality steak ciabatta sandwich was a rather good accompaniment.
Scribblings Rating - 88/100